Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa) for sharing his thoughts on these important issues tonight, and I appreciate his remarks. Mr. Speaker, I will close by reiterating our support of our servicemen and -women who defend our great country. Many of us have highlighted the improvement in the quality of life they will receive from the passage of this bill and it being signed into law by the President. However, I would like to take a moment to highlight the impact it will have on Tennesseans serving in the armed services. According to the House Armed Services Committee, this bill will provide a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and an average 4\1/2\ percent pay raise for Tennessee's 19,500 servicemembers. It also expands the program to help Tennessee's 1,500 military spouses attain and retain employment. Lastly, it expands access to childcare for the 2,800 children of military families in Tennessee. These important provisions to increase servicemembers' pay, expand childcare services, and bolster efforts to assist military spouses are much-needed and well-deserved. Servicemembers' families sacrifice a lot so that their loved ones can keep us safe. I am proud to support these provisions, and I am glad that they have been included in the final passage of the NDAA.…”